The Reasons Why You Should Be Ply-Lining Your Van
Did you know one of the most important features of any new van is also one of the simplest? Better still, with Vansdirect it’s also free! We’re talking about ply-lining.
If you aren’t aware, ply-lining a robust material that lines the internal bodywork of your van to help defend against the dents and scuffs that come from regular use transporting cargo.
It’s a feature that is easy to install on anything from Small Vans to Medium Vans to Large Vans, free to specify with Vansdirect and could save you hundreds, if not thousands, in costs down the line.
What Is Ply-Lining and Why Does My Van Need It?
Ply-lining is an extra layer of material – usually plywood – fixed in the cargo load covering the interior side panels, the doors, wheelarches and occasionally the bulkhead.
While it may seem unusual to be strapping plywood to the inside of your van, if you use a van regularly to transport loads of varying sizes, shapes and weights, you’ll quickly understand why having it there is a huge benefit.
Indeed, if your business involves carrying a lot of metal objects, such as tools and heavy machinery, there is a greater risk of scratching or denting any exposed metal body panels inside the cargo area.
The same applies if you load Euro pallets or packaging, which could leave damage and scuffs that can worsen or become irreparable over time.
At the very least, damage to the bodywork in the cargo area is unsightly and diminishes the overall quality of the van. While such dents and scratches could become irreversible if not treated, repairs to the body work could also prove detrimentally costly.
What Are The Benefits of Ply-Lining for a Van Lease?
If you are leasing a van, ply-lining could be the difference between avoiding costs for excessive wear and tear at the end of your agreement.
As part of your van leasing contract, it is important to keep your van in a good condition to ensure that it means the terms of wear and tear when the vehicle is returned at the end of a lease.
By fitting ply-lining, you’ll avoid major dents, scratches and scuffs on the inside of the cargo area that could be deemed excessive wear and tear.
What Ply-Lining Options Are Available?
As well as the standard ply-lining, it is possible to specify van racking built into the cargo area of your van.
This racking will also be made of plywood and gives you a racking space to store your tools and machinery neatly and securely. By doing this, there is less chance for your equipment to shift in the cargo area when the van is being driven and potentially cause any damage to either the van or your kit.
What Is The Best Wood for Ply-Lining & How Thick?
As the name suggest, plywood is best for ply-lining. This is because it is robust and solid, while being light enough to be secured safely in your van without impacting the payload you’re permitted to carry significantly.
Moreover, if the ply-lining becomes significantly damaged, it can be removed and replaced easily.
In terms of thickness, 6mm and 12mm plywood is commonly used with the lighter wood best for the walls and doors, while the thicker material is best for the flooring as it sustains the most contact with equipment.
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